On Saturday the 10th of November 2018, mountain bikers from across Gauteng will line up to take on an endurance lap race for a great cause at Pretoria Boys High School. With 24 and 6 hour races on offer as well as a range of solo and team categories it promises to be a day jam packed with mountain biking action.

Held on the grounds of Pretoria Boys High the route requires riders to complete as many 6 kilometre laps as possible in the 24 or 6 hour race period. Featuring 200 meters of climbing per lap, the route is made up of jeep track, singletracks and sections across the car parks and sport fields of the school. Man-made obstacles provide additional challenges for those with the technical skills to take them on, while A and B lines are provided for each technical feature – allowing the less skilled riders to safely skirt the hazards.

For the true endurance junkies the event offers the option of a full 24 hour solo race. While for those more intent on the social side of the event or keen to race as a corporate team there are team categories for riders in 2, 4, 6 and even 8 person squads in the 24 hour race. In the 6 hour race meanwhile, riders can take part individually or in teams of 2, 4, 6 or 8 riders. The 6 hour event also boasts a school’s specific category of 4 rider teams – which is sure to be hotly contested by Pretoria Boys High and their rival institutions of learning.

Off the bike there will be a festive atmosphere throughout the event, ensured by food trucks and complimentary camping for all riders. Support crew members can be added to the camping booking when entering online and all campers are encouraged to bring kettle drum braais. The aroma of braaivleis and the chatter of supporters huddled around the fires might make the tough midnight to dawn stretch even harder for the riders… but that’s nothing a lovingly made boerewors roll won’t overcome.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Operation Healing Hands; a healthcare charity which provides life-changing surgeries to patients who would otherwise not be able to afford them. Established in 2016 by a number of private sector doctors and surgeons the aim is to fulfil the ethical responsibility of the private healthcare sector in closing the socioeconomic gap of patients in need of surgery.

The action kicks off at 10:00am on Saturday morning, on the 10th of November, in the 24 hour race; and at 14:00 for the 6 hour event. Prize giving will take place at 10:00am on Sunday morning. Entries are available online via www.entryninja.com, while for more information please click here. To stay updated on all the news and important announcements like the event’s Facebook page: PBHS MTB Challenge.